MUSCAT: US President Joe Biden on Monday thanked His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad for their role in securing the release of five Americans who had been imprisoned in Iran.

In a statement issued by the White House quoting Biden said: “I give special thanks to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, and to the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik, both of whom helped facilitate this agreement over many months of difficult and principled American diplomacy.”

“Siamak Namazi, Morad Tahbaz, Emad Sharghi, and two citizens who wish to remain private will soon be reunited with their loved ones—after enduring years of agony, uncertainty, and suffering.  I am grateful to our partners at home and abroad for their tireless efforts to help us achieve this outcome, including the Governments of Qatar, Oman, Switzerland, and South Korea,” Biden added.